This warm and cheesy Baked French Onion Dip is a crowd-pleaser! With creamy cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a touch of garlic, it’s perfect for dipping.
Served with crispy chips or crunchy veggies, you can’t go wrong. Just remember, sharing is optional when it’s this tasty! 😄
I love making this dip for parties. It’s so easy to whip up, and everyone always raves about it. Plus, it means I get to enjoy the leftovers all to myself—win-win!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, white onions also work, though they are a bit sharper in flavor.
Cheese: Gruyère adds a lovely nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese is a great substitute if Gruyère isn’t available. Mozzarella can work too, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Mayonnaise: If you’re watching calories or prefer a lighter dip, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a more tangy twist. Just ensure it’s thick!
Sour Cream: For a dairy-free option, try using vegan sour cream or a creamed tofu base. This keeps the creamy texture without the dairy.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Properly?
Caramelizing onions may seem tricky, but it’s all about patience and low heat. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat, then add butter and olive oil.
- Add sliced onions and sprinkle with salt. The salt helps draw out moisture, speeding up the process.
- Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 30-40 minutes until they are a rich golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- If needed, lower the heat slightly to keep them cooking steadily without browning too fast.
When done, they will be soft, sweet, and a beautiful caramel color, adding fantastic depth to your dip!
Baked French Onion Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
For Serving:
- Crostini or toasted baguette slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Baked French Onion Dip takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time. Overall, plan for about 40-50 minutes from start to finish, allowing for some cooling time before serving. Perfect for a quick appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow it to reach the right temperature while you prepare the dip.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the sliced onions. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Keep cooking, stirring often. You want the onions to become deep golden brown and caramelized, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly to avoid burning.
3. Mix in Garlic and Seasoning:
Once the onions are caramelized to perfection, add the minced garlic, the remaining salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir it all together for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Then, remove from the heat and allow it to cool a bit.
4. Create the Creamy Base:
While the onion mixture is cooling, grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until the mixture is nice and smooth.
5. Combine Everything Together:
Add the cooled onion mixture into your creamy base and mix well until fully combined. This creates that rich onion flavor throughout the dip!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the dip mixture into a buttered oven-safe skillet or baking dish for even baking. Top it off by evenly sprinkling the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses over the surface.
7. Bake the Dip:
Now, pop the dip into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until it’s bubbly and the cheese is a beautiful golden brown color.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color. Serve warm with crostini or toasted baguette slices for dipping!
Enjoy your rich, comforting Baked French Onion Dip with crispy bread or your favorite chips! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering! 🎉
Can I Make This Dip in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the onion mixture and combine it with the creamy ingredients a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge, then bake it right before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together and makes for an easy party prep!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyère and Parmesan are traditional, you can substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just ensure that you have a good melting cheese for that creamy texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, adding a splash of cream if needed to keep it creamy.
Can I Use Frozen Onions?
While fresh onions are best for caramelizing, you can use frozen onions in a pinch. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before sautéing, as they may release more moisture when cooking. Keep in mind the flavor might be slightly different!
